Fostering a sophisticated command of current theoretical approaches, the Master of Arts (MA) program provides coverage and support in a diverse range of historical, geographical, thematic, and interdisciplinary research areas.
The MA program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, with the exception of MA in English in the field of Creative Writing, which is taken on a full-time basis only. The MA in English in the field of Creative Writing has different requirements, which are described in a separate section below.
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of English's additional admission requirements stated below.
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A minimum of 7 full-year undergraduate courses in English or the equivalent in half-year courses (i.e., 14), or any combination of full- and half-year courses that add up to the equivalent of 7 full-year courses in English.
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An appropriate bachelor's degree (i.e., a four-year undergraduate degree), or its equivalent (preferably in English), with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of B+ or better and evidence of first-class work in English. The department favours a broad training in the major genres and all periods of English literary history.
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Recommendations from two referees.
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A statement of purpose.
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A single writing sample consisting of 12 to 15 pages (inclusive of footnotes and bibliography). The writing sample should be an accomplished piece of the applicant's own academic writing, such as an advanced undergraduate seminar paper. See details about the writing sample.
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Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English are required to write the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores required are:
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600 on the paper-based test and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)
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100/120 on the Internet-based test, with at least 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections
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Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission.
Completion Requirements
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Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
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ENG6999Y Critical Topographies: Theory and Practice of Contemporary Literary Studies in English
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3.0 approved graduate FCEs in English
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Students must attain a minimum B standing in each graduate course.
- Students in the part-time option will take one half course to three courses per session.
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 9 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time